La Primavera (Spring), Gelato, & Children’s Book Signings
Who Ate the Gelato?! is ready for Spring release and I can’t wait for the children’s book signings!
Children’s Books & Deadlines from Hell
I’d made a commitment not only to myself but to my readers to write and illustrate Who Ate The Gelato?! by late July of 2014, further chronicling the adventures of Jasmine, Topo and Roxanne, but as the date approached like a speeding locomotive I found myself nowhere near completion of the task!
On Book Signings, Puppy Dogs & Deadlines
Spring Took Her Sweet Time Arriving … … and I welcome Her all the same with no complaints! La Primavera (Spring) is a wonderful time of year not only because the Earth is bursting with color and life again, but because it brings opportunities for creative people like me that have been shut in all…
Children’s Books and Current Topics
Since working out the plot line and script for Who Ate the Gelato?!, I’ve found I have the opportunity to expand an idea that I not only discuss with kids on a regular basis in my book signings and school presentations, but an idea that I truly believe in with all my heart … helping homeless animals everywhere through contributions and education!
Why Do You Use A Black Dog in Your Children’s Books?
Jasmine was about one year old when we adopted her from the Franklin County Animal Shelter and it was evident from the start she’d had a rough life. Although we quickly bonded with our new girl, she was a fiercely independent dog … so much so that we use to joke “the Princess has her own agenda” and the name Princess stuck!
Creating Smiles All Over the World!
It occurred to me that since my printer doesn’t request the return of misprinted kids books, that various charities might benefit from their 130-book mistake! Charities with kids and families that can’t always afford to put food on the table, especially during the holidays might enjoy the gift of free kid’s books as Christmas presents!
Questions Frequently Asked by Kids
Kids always have questions about kid’s books! But several questions pop up more than others, whether at a children’s book signing or a school presentation!
Visual Storytelling / the Establishing Shot
In the world of movies, photography or children’s book illustration, the establishing shot is one of the most important as it sets the stage for where the action to follow will take place. Typically it’s a scenic shot taken from quite a distance away and could be represented by a wide shot of the Eiffel Tower (if the story takes place in France), a train station, a field of flowers…well, you get the general idea!
Where Do Ideas for Children’s Books Come From?
The title for Who Ate the Gelato?! actually came from a real life experience with Benji…the Brittany Spaniel mix that belonged to my wife’s family when she was growing up. While house-sitting for my in-laws I took Benji to Baskin & Robbins for some mint chocolate chip ice cream (his favorite!)
Book Signing Fun at Eagles Pizza!
One of the best things about growing up in the 60’s and 70’s in a small rural community like New Albany was the tradition of sharing ideas and discoveries with your friends and classmates … the enthusiasm was always contagious! That same enthusiasm for sharing and the spirit of friendship was alive and well last night (December 15th) at Eagles Pizza, in the center of downtown New Albany!